WJC: 30 Prospects To Watch

[Larry Fisher]

I tackled a few preview stories for the upcoming world junior tournament. Let me know what you think.

10 First Rounders To Watch: http://thehockeywriters.com/wjc-10-first-rounders-to-watch/

10 Draft Eligibles To Watch: http://thehockeywriters.com/wjc-10-draft-eligibles-to-watch/

10 Sleeper Prospects To Watch: http://thehockeywriters.com/wjc-10-sleeper-prospects-to-watch/

Click to read more...

 

[Larry Fisher]

Who are some other sleeper types, either undrafted or late round picks that could emerge as standouts in this year's tournament?

 

[Skeletorrr]

I would put both Finnish goalies on the sleeper list. I don't think Saros has secured the spot of #1 goalie just yet and Ville Husso is more than capable of taking the spot. He's played as a starter for his team in the Finnish elite league with very good numbers.

 

[Epictetus]

Not sure I agree with no mention of Pastrnak. He's got 27 points in 23 AHL games, and has had a try-out playing some NHL games with the Bruins already. He's one to look for, in my opinion.

 

[Larry Fisher]

I left all NHL/AHL players off the lists thus no Pastrnak ... or Lazar, Duclair, Mueller, etc.

Husso might be an interesting sleeper. Saros was already on the list, but Husso might be Finland's goalie going forward after a strong showing against the Americans while Saros took the surprisingly loss against Slovakia. I would assume they go back to Husso against Canada, your thoughts?

 

[torero]

You did a great job their, Thanks for it ... a pleasure to run through these prospects with vid and all !

tks

Any thoughts about Noha Rod ?? (Swiss team) or Fazzini ? (both are understandably unkown in N.A. since they play in Switzerland.

 

[Larry Fisher]

Thanks for the compliment, torero. In regards to Rod and Fazzini, I'm not too familiar with either of them but both have been impressive at this year's tournament. Rod is obviously a Sharks draft pick so he wasn't totally under the radar but his upside might exceed his draft position. Fazzini is more of a wild-card, but he's opening some eyes on one of the biggest stages for scouts, so that should bode well for him.

 

[Larry Fisher]

Here's my latest, previewing Canada-USA or rather McDavid-Eichel: http://thehockeywriters.com/herewego-mcdavid-vs-eichel/

 

[Larry Fisher]

Wow, how good was that? Canada-USA lived up to the hype yet again. Here's my recap: http://thehockeywriters.com/wjc-recap-canada-usa-in-140-characters-or-less/

 

[bobbyt911]

Wow, how good was that? Canada-USA lived up to the hype yet again. Here's my recap: http://thehockeywriters.com/wjc-recap-canada-usa-in-140-characters-or-less/

Whats your take on Nylander? is he more dynamic and should be better than most not named McDavid/Eichel?

 

[Larry Fisher]

Nylander is definitely a standout in this tournament, but that was to be expected. He's having a good year in a men's league and is now back playing against juniors, so he should look like a man amongst boys. He certainly has so far, but he'll be pushed a lot more by the North American teams if/when they face Sweden. It'll be interesting to see how he handles that extra attention, if he plays through it and still makes a difference or if he fades from the spotlight. I think he's a gamer, so I'm personally looking forward to watching him the rest of the tournament.